Devotionals: Mark Archives

Approaching Death Detailed

By Andrew YoungAugust 14, 2016Devotionals: Mark

“And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him…” (Mark 10:32) Bible Reading: Mark 10:32-34 Jesus and his disciples had crossed back over to the western side of the Jordan and were making their way “up to Jerusalem” (Mark 10:32). Jesus, we are told, “was walking ahead of them,” showing his resolute determination to endure what lay before him. Such was his determination that his followers were “amazed” and “afraid” (v. 32). Pausing briefly, Jesus gathered the twelve about him and began to tell them in precise detail what awaited him. His conversation with them […]

Receiving Much More

By Andrew YoungAugust 13, 2016Devotionals: Mark

“There is no one who has left house and brothers… who will not receive a hundredfold…” (Mark 10:29-30) Bible Reading: Mark 10:28-31 Jesus had told the Rich Young Ruler that he had to sell all he possessed and give the money to the poor if he wanted to inherit eternal life (Mark 10:21). He had then explained to his disciples how hard it is for those who are rich to enter the kingdom of heaven – indeed, that it was impossible for men to enter the kingdom through their own resources, but only through God. It is not surprising in that […]

A Human Impossibility

By Andrew YoungAugust 12, 2016Devotionals: Mark

“With man it is impossible, but not with God.” (Mark 10:27) Bible Reading: Mark 10:23-27 The “Rich Young Ruler” went away from Jesus “sorrowful, for he had great possessions” (Mark 10:22). His action provided a case study Jesus could not pass by. He had to tell his disciples an important truth arising from it. That truth was how difficult it is for “those who have wealth” to enter the kingdom of God (v. 23). That, after all, is what the young man had asked Jesus about – “What must I do to inherit eternal life [or enter the kingdom of God]?” […]

One Thing Lacking

By Andrew YoungAugust 11, 2016Devotionals: Mark

“You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have…” (Mark 10:21) Bible Reading: Mark 10:17-22 Jesus is still on his way towards Jerusalem. However, interruptions keep coming. This time, the man we commonly call “the Rich Young Ruler” is the culprit. Running to Jesus, he kneels before him and asks, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17).It is worth noting that he did not ask, “What must I do to be saved?” Such a question implies a sense of need and a knowledge of sin. However, this man isn’t asking about how to get rid […]

A Mistaken Rebuke

By Andrew YoungAugust 10, 2016Devotionals: Mark

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them…” (Mark 10:14) Bible Reading: Mark 10:13-16 While Jesus was still on the eastern side of the Jordan, people brought (little) children to him to touch. Thinking they were doing their busy Master a service, “the disciples rebuked them” (v. 13). As was so often the case, their action was mistaken. In fact, they were so far mistaken that when Jesus was made aware of what they are doing, “he was indignant” (v. 14). In other words, he was deeply upset by their action. “Let the little children come to […]

Not Two but One

By Andrew YoungAugust 9, 2016Devotionals: Mark

“So they are no longer two but one flesh.” (Mark 10:8) Bible Reading: Mark 10:1-12 Jesus and his disciples are nearing Jerusalem, although still in the region “beyond the Jordan” (Mark 10:1). Learning of his whereabouts, crowds flock to him again, and “as was his custom, he taught them.” Those genuinely interested to hear him were not the only ones coming to him. Pharisees intent on “testing” him were also in the crowd. When opportunity arose, they questioned Jesus on divorce (v. 2). They ask him if it is “lawful” for a man to divorce his wife, hoping to trap him […]

Avoiding the Fire of Hell

By Andrew YoungAugust 8, 2016Devotionals: Mark

“It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell…” (Mark 9:43) Bible Reading: Mark 9:42-50 Jesus has been speaking of his close attachment to all who truly believe in him – his “little ones” (Mark 9:37, 42). Here he warns against causing them to stumble, and against anything that might cause a disciple to fail to enter into “life” (vs. 42-47). With regard to causing “one of these little ones who believe in me to sin,” Jesus has the sternest of warnings. It would be better for such a person, he says, “if […]

For or Against

By Andrew YoungAugust 7, 2016Devotionals: Mark

“For the one who is not against us is for us.” (Mark 9:40) Bible Reading: Mark 9:38-41 Jesus had been clarifying the character of true greatness. He had also used a little child as an example of true discipleship – in the sense of being a humble follower of Jesus. Furthermore, he had declared an inseparable connection between himself and those who acted in his name. Those who received one of his little ones (true followers) received him, and the Father who sent him (Mark 9:37). Perhaps it is this close identification with his followers that prompts John to mention to […]

The First Must be Last

By Andrew YoungAugust 6, 2016Devotionals: Mark

“If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35) Bible Reading: Mark 9:33-37 As Jesus and his disciples travelled towards Jerusalem, they did stop briefly in Galilee in the town of Capernaum. There, in “the house” where they probably frequently stayed, Jesus asked his disciples what they were “discussing on the way” (Mark 9:33). The Twelve were reluctant to tell him, because “on the way” “they had argued with one another about who was greatest” (v. 34). Later, we will see something similar (personal ambition) surface again (10:35-41). It was apparently connected with aspirations […]

A Second Prediction

By Andrew YoungAugust 5, 2016Devotionals: Mark

“The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him.” (Mark 9:31) Bible Reading: Mark 9:30-32 From the site of the “high mountain” where Jesus had been transfigured, he and his disciples “passed through Galilee,” heading southwards (Mark 9:30). This time, he doesn’t pause to heal and to teach in the province as he had done so formerly. Instead, he avoided contact with people – he “did not want anyone to know”, for he was “teaching his disciples” (v. 31). This, in fact, is the first leg of a journey that will take […]